Early Edition with Ryan Bridge

Queensland’s abuse support services are receiving a financial boost.   The state government has announced an additional $36 million in funding that will go to frontline domestic, family, and sexual violence support services over the next 12 months.   Premier Steven Miles said the figure was an increase of 20% of the current funding, calling on the federal government to match it.   Donna Demaio, Au...

Household spending seems to be rising faster than inflation.   Data from Stats NZ showed that it rose an average of 6.2% in the year to March, reflecting the average person’s overall costs across the board.   Infometrics Principal Economist Brad Olsen told Mike Hosking that part of the big difference between inflation sitting at 4% and this figure is that inflation doesn’t include interest rates....

Pharmac's record funding-boost will fill a fiscal hole to ensure it can keep funding the treatments currently on offer.   The drug-buying agency is being promised an additional $1.7 billion over four years in the upcoming Budget.   Medicines NZ Chief Executive, Graeme Jarvis told Mike Hosking that without it, some patients would have lost out on medicines paid for by time-limited funding.   He say...

The Government may need to re-consider its stance on healthcare in the upcoming budget.   An OIA has discovered the current health minister’s initial surgery wait list targets are estimated to have a $723 million price tag, over two years.   Christchurch colorectal surgeon Chris Wakeman tells Mike Hosking the biggest hurdle is the lack of people and facilities.   “This is a much bigger picture pro...

British troops could be deployed on the ground in Gaza to help deliver aid via a new sea route. The US has said no American forces would go ashore from a floating pontoon – a “third party” will drive trucks along a causeway onto the beach. Britain has been closely involved in planning the sea-bourne aid operation.   Europe correspondent Gavin Grey tells Mike Hosking the task is risky due to the ac...

Super Rugby fans saw some high quality action over the weekend.   The Blues v Reds clash was decided dramatically after the siren and the Hurricanes had their unbeaten streak ended, being smothered into submission by the Brumbies.   Meanwhile, Scott McLaughlin took pole position for Monday morning’s IndyCar Grand Prix of Alabama.   And, crowds are flocking to LIV Golf across the Tasman.   ZB Sport...

Professional driving instructors are suffering an unexpected consequence of last year’s change to free re-sits for driving tests.   Since fees for re-sitting practical driving tests were scrapped in October, delays to licence booking times have grown as a result of a surge in demand.   There were 2000 booked no-shows last month alone through VTNZ.   President of the New Zealand Institute of Drivin...

Horses and people are still hospitalised after a number of animals belonging to the Household Cavalry ran through the streets of London.   Four of the seven horses threw off their riders after being spooked by a loud noise yesterday.   UK Correspondent Vincent McAviney told Andrew Dickens that they were right by Buckingham Palace, running through some of the busiest streets in the city.   He said...

Some of New Zealand's biggest tech names have sent a letter to the Government as millions of public funding is set to expire in the cloud software sector.   The letter sent to Tech Minister Judith Collins includes executives from Xero, Datacom, and Gallagher.   Serko Chief Marketing Officer Nick Whitehead says they want "engagement' not just to talk "funding".   He told Francesca Rudkin that they...

The economic value of cruise-ships is on full-display as the season draws to a close.   They've brought in 350,000 visitors, with an estimated value of $540 million.   Newmarket Business Association Chief Executive Mark Knoff-Thomas told Francesca Rudkin they've seen a 30% rise in international visitor spending this season.   But the bounce-back may be short-lived, a 20% decline in port visits is...

A barrister says the High Court's decision to overturn the Waitangi Tribunal summons of the Children's Minister was a good and clear decision.   It ruled Karen Chhour could not be compelled to appear before the Tribunal over her plans to repeal part of the Oranga Tamariki Act.   Treaty activist and lawyer Annette Sykes has lodged an appeal.   Marie Dyhrberg KC told Francesca Rudkin it doesn't set...

At least five are dead only hours after the passing of the UK’s controversial migrant deportation bill.   Approximately 100 migrants were rescued while crossing the English Channel, placed abroad a French Navy ship to be taken to the port of Boulogne.   The approved bill aims to deter situations like this, deporting illegal immigrants to Rwanda as a deterrent to those seeking asylum.   UK Correspo...

There are calls for harsher punishments for repeat distracted driving.   New Ipsos research commissioned by AMI found 55% of drivers admit to driving distracted, with 21% admitting to driving under the influence of drugs and alcohol.   The top distractions were mobile phones, other drivers, other passengers, and daydreaming.   Road safety advocate Greg Murphy told Mike Hosking that fines have gone...

A health recruiter is giving assurances that practices are in place to help migrant doctors.   An Otago University study has found international doctors are struggling with cultural integration and New Zealand is at risk of losing them unless practices improve.   Accent Health Recruiter Prudence Thomson told Mike Hosking that she's been recruiting for 25 years, and migrating is always a challenge....

Chinese business travellers are first priority Auckland tourism for a first-of-its-kind alliance.   Since travel resumed last year, 6% of the 210,000 Chinese tourists were here for business.   Tātaki Auckland Unlimited and Auckland Airport will work with China Southern Airlines to market their daily non-stop flights from their main hub in Guangzhou to business travellers.   Auckland Unlimited Dest...

There are fears health worker strikes could become common place as conditions worsen.   Two and a half thousand resident doctors will strike next month over pay and conditions.   Former Health New Zealand chairman Rob Campbell told Mike Hosking that it could be the first of many more health worker strikes.   He said workers are feeling increasingly disaffected and unheard.   Campbell said that the...

An American comedian is defending his decision to kick a breast-feeding mother out of his Melbourne comedy show.   Flight of the Concords star Arj Barker asked breastfeeding mother Trish Faranda to leave his Melbourne show on Saturday, claiming her baby was disrupting his performance.   Faranda says it was humiliating to be publicly called out.   Australia correspondent Donna Demaio told Mike Hosk...

Women's Refuge says it will be a waiting game as to whether Three Strikes legislation is effective.   The Government is preparing to reintroduce mandatory prison sentences for violent and sexual criminals committing a third offence, this time only applying to sentences above 24 months.   Women's Refuge Chief Executive Ang Jury told Mike Hosking that in some instances incarceration is the one way t...

A British lawmaker who allegedly used campaign funds to pay off people who were holding him hostage said Sunday that he wouldn't seek reelection after the governing Conservative Party found his behaviour fell below the standard expected of members of Parliament. Mark Menzies' downfall is the latest in a series of scandals to hit the Conservatives, undermining support for a party that has been in p...

The Government’s cutting more red tape in housing. They’ve announced changes to ease lending criteria for home and other loans, including reforming financial services and updating the Credit Contracts and Consumer Finance Act. The time it takes to process loans will lessen and mortgages will be easier to access. NZ Banking Association chief executive Roger Beaumont joined Mike Hosking. LISTEN ABOV...

The Black Caps have responded in style, as Mark Chapman inspired New Zealand to a series-levelling seven-wicket victory over Pakistan in Rawalpindi. Just 24 hours after being bowled out for 90 to lose by seven wickets at the same venue, a heavily depleted Black Caps side flipped the script on their hosts, and chased down their target of 179 runs with ease. That chase was anchored by an unbeaten 87...

An expert says Ukraine needs more than just funding for weapons to get ahead in the war. The US House of Representatives has voted 311 to 112, in favour of a US $61 billion aid package for Ukraine. Taiwan and Israel will also receive foreign aid packages, totalling almost US $95 billion in aid for all three countries. Senior Fellow at Defense Priorities in Washington, D.C. Gil Barndollar told Mike...

The Supercar Sprints are kicking off in Taupo this weekend.   The event is expected to bring up to 70,000 attendees, giving a significant boost to the city and surrounding region.   Mayor David Trewavas told Mike Hosking that the town is absolutely buzzing.   He said they had the parade through the CBD last night, and thousands of fans came out to see the cars.   Taupo has a three-year contract to...

Prince William has made his first return to royal duties since Kate's cancer diagnosis went public.   Last month the Princess of Wales revealed she's been receiving treatment amid wild internet speculation.   The family has been away from the public eye but the Prince has returned to show support for a homeless food shelter.   UK correspondent Vincent McAviney told Mike Hosking the public have bee...

The turn of the economy could make it tricky for those on JobSeekers to find employment.   New Social Development figures reveal just under 188,000 people are on JobSeeker, up almost 20,000 people from last year.   Employment specialist Jennifer Mills told Mike Hosking that she's sure many on the benefit are ready to work.   She says the new work check-in arrangement may sharpen the focus for thos...